Catholic School Newsletter May 2018 @St Johnfisher@St Johnﬁsher

St John Fisher Catholic School Newsletter May 2018 @st_johnfisher@st_johnﬁsher www.stjohnfisher.school

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

Paul - Year 12

It is with deep regret that I inform you that one of our Year 12 students, Paul, died Tuesday night in hospital. He was taken ill and was admitted to hospital in the evening, and passed away some hours later.

As a school community, we have expressed our deep condolences and sincere sympathy to Paul’s family at this time and we will work with them to celebrate his life at a later stage. Paul was a vibrant, intelligent young man who was studying for 3 A levels in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry with ambitions to be a doctor.

I would ask you to join with the school community in remembering Paul and his family in your prayers and thoughts at the awful time for them, and would also ask for your prayers for our whole school community.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the May Newsletter which reflects our vibrant, dynamic school.

Examinations are well underway and I am immensely proud of how students are coping during such a stressful time. There is a busy programme of revision taking place over half term and I am extremely grateful to our wonderful staff who give up their holidays to work with students who are so positive about the help their teachers give them.

We have been invited to take part in an exciting Year 6 into Year 7 project called “Enlightening Transition”. This is a project which involves creative organisations such as Royal Opera House Bridge, The Royal Dockyard and Ideas Institute. Please see the attached leaflet for more information. We are looking forward to continue to develop our good relationships with our partner primary schools through these exciting opportunities.

God Bless,

Mrs D Lennon

Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt JohnJohn FisherFisher NewsletterNewsletter MayMay 20182018

@st_johnﬁsher@st_johnfisher@st_johnfisher www.stjohnfisher.school

News From Chaplaincy

Good Samaritan Mass

On Tuesday 24th April, Mr Jones from Chaplaincy and Mr Jennings from RE took students from Year 9 up to St George’s Cathedral London, for the Good Samaritan Mass. The theme of the Mass was about doing good for others and was celebrated by the Most Reverend Archbishop Peter Smith; other members of the clergy from the diocese were also present. The theme of Mass enabled The Catholic Children’s Society to once again promote their CRISIS fund, and a representative told the various schools in attendance about the charity.

This is what some of our students had to say about the outing:

“I found it fun, entertaining and spiritual” – Lily-May Mortimer

“I enjoyed being able to represent the school with the banner” – Olivia Baker

“The cathedral was huge and the masonry was beautiful” – Gianluca Byrnes

“Yes it was nice, I enjoyed how lively the cathedral was” – Denzel Macauley

St Anselm’s Feast Day

Also on Tuesday 24th April, Mrs Leach from Chaplaincy, took two students, Lauren Drain and Benjamin Clements from Year 9, to St Anselm School’s Feast Day Mass at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson.

This is want our students had to say:

“It was a good experience, because I had never been to a Mass at Canterbury Cathedral before”. Lauren Drain

“I found it enjoyable and a good insight to what other school’s feast days are like and how they celebrate them”. Ben Clements

Mrs P Leach and Mr M Jones Chaplaincy Team

Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt John John Fisher Fisher Newsletter Newsletter MayMay 2018 2018

@st_johnfisher@st_johnﬁsher www.stjohnfisher.school

News From Chaplaincy (cont.d)

Also this Month

On the 3rd of May we gathered together to celebrate with our Year 11 and 13 at their Leavers’ Mass. This marks the end of Key Stage 4 and 5 before exams start. Mass was celebrated by Father Etienne; also in attendance was Deacon James Coleman. Speeches were given by both Year 11 students and Sixth form students about their many fond memories as a year group, plus special thanks for the opportunities and achievements obtained whilst at St. John Fisher school.

Chaplaincy wishes Year 11 and 13 every success with their current exams and the future months ahead. A candle will be lit every day in the chapel to give our students the strength and wisdom needed in this stressful period of their lives.

May is the Month of Mary.

As we approach the end of May, let us not forget this lovely month is dedicated to Mary Mother of Jesus. So to celebrate this occasion, Chaplaincy has chosen a poem especially for Our Lady.

MAY IN BLOOM

May is so beautiful: Orchards are fair; Branches of fruit trees Make gardens of air.

Flowers of fragrance Bloom in the light; Fall like the snowflakes Showering white.

Mrs P Leach and Mr M Jones, Chaplaincy Team

Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt John John Fisher Fisher Newsletter Newsletter MayMay 20182018

@st_johnﬁsher@st_johnfisher www.stjohnfisher.school

To celebrate 60 years at Huntsman’s Corner, St. Stephen’s Church, Maidstone Road, Chatham will be hosting the above from Saturday nd2 to Friday 8th June.

There will be 32 scenes from the Bible displayed in knitted form for everyone to enjoy.

The scenes have been made by a church in Hartlepool and are transported all round the country and exhibited. We are lucky to be able to host the display in the Medway Towns and want to invite as many people as possible to visit.

The opening times are listed below; hopefully there will be a time to suit everyone. There is no fixed entry charge but we do ask for a donation towards the cost of collecting and hosting the display. Groups are very welcome by arrangement, please call the number below and arrange a time. As individuals you do not need to book a time slot, just turn up.

Light refreshments will be on sale during the event and we will also have printed bags for sale.

We are also having a “Knitathon”, which you would be welcome to take part in - we will be knitting squares which will be made into blankets about the size of single bed - these are given to Oxfam who sell them at music festivals during the Summer months. The money raised is used to fund their safe water and sanitation programme in areas of the world affected by natural disasters or war.

Knitted Bible Opening times Saturday 2nd - Friday 8th June 2018 Saturday 2nd 10am - 4pm Including a plant sale in the hall. Sunday 3rd 2pm - 4pm 7pm - 9pm Monday 4th 10am - 4pm Tuesday 5th 10am - 4pm Wednesday 6th 12 noon - 4pm 7pm - 9pm Thursday 7th 10am - 4pm Friday 8th By appointment only

Contact details : St Stephen’s Church Office - 01634 830788 email: [email protected]

“You knit me together…. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139 v13-14 Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : St John Fisher Newsletter May 2018

@st_johnfisher@st_johnﬁsher www.stjohnfisher.school Applied Learning Student of the Month April 2018 Student of the Month runs every month for students within Applied (BTEC) subjects. Each subject leader is asked to nominate 1 student from all their classes to be the student of that month. A board is located on the A floor which shows the students that have achieved student of the month for each subject as well as an overall winner each month. The overall winner receives a fun USB from Mrs Simpson.

Applied Student of the Month April 2018 Venus Yau Venus For producing excellent work in Art and overall commitment to your work.

Student of the Month Nominees

For producing excellent For producing excellent work For producing excellent work in Foundation Learning and work in Business Studies and in Health and Social Care and Ramos Santos Majid Abdul Abdul Majid Christiana Dos overall commitment to the Chloe Burton overall commitment to the overall commitment to your subject. subject. work.

For producing excellent work For producing excellent For producing excellent work in Travel & Tourism and Yau Venus work in Art and overall in Sports Studies and overall overall commitment to the Aksels Grintals Aksels Grintals commitment to your work. commitment to the subject. subject. Szymanska Paulina

Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt John John Fisher Fisher Newsletter Newsletter MayMay 2018 2018 St John Fisher Newsletter May 2018

@st_johnﬁsher@st_johnfisher www.stjohnfisher.school @st_johnfisher@st_johnﬁsher www.stjohnfisher.school

Visit of French teachers and students from Rennes 17th April 2018 Visit of French teachers and students from Rennes 17th April 2018 On the 17th April, 57 French students and 7 teachers from Rennes (Cont.d) arrived to spend the morning with St. John Fisher students of French. Our Year 9, 10 and 11 students, currently studying French, With such positive experiences on both sides it was good to see enjoyed the opportunity of meeting and conversing with their French that the “Entente Cordiale” is alive and well and our students look counterparts while playing board and card games in the Hall. The French students, accompanied by our students, were taken on a forward to future reunions. guided tour of the school and much fun and laughter was had by all. With their impeccable behaviour and keen enthusiasm our students “Learnt many new words and French customs. Overall, I remember proved to be excellent ambassadors for the school. the day for the new people I met and the memories I made.” We would like to thank the staff at SJF and Mrs S Deans in particular, Ruby Trott 10 St. Rose who contributed to a successful and memorable experience for all the French staff and students. “This experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity and one I will never forget. The students we had were “très drôle” and although, at first, there was a slight language barrier, we soon overcame this.” Mr. P. Charlton, Mrs. C. Brooking MFL Department Khateba Akhtar 10 St. Peter

Mission Statement: Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt JohnJohn FisherFisher NewsletterNewsletter MayMay 20182018

@st_johnﬁsher@st_johnfisher www.stjohnfisher.school

New Parent Governors at St John Fisher

We are delighted to welcome two new parent governors to the SJF Governing Body.

Tracy Marsh is mother to one of our Year 7 girls. She has worked in catering and lunchtime management roles in various schools and is studying for an NVQ in catering alongside her current work commitments. She wanted to become a parent governor so that she could help SJF secure the best outcomes for all of its students.

Leon Rouncivell is the father of a Year 10 student. He started his career in retail management and training before moving into the civil service for the last nine years. This experience has inspired him to be a governor by emphasising the difference that a good education and grounding can make to an individual, in their personal life and employment prospects, as well as to the local community as a whole.

SJF wishes them good luck in their new roles. Miss V Walker

GCSE Science revision online!

As of Friday the 18th of May students will now have access to a comprehensive and complete revision pack for AQA’s GCSE Science. This has been compiled specifically for St. John Fisher Students and feature unique resources generated by our staff. The pack includes… • All 6 practice papers and mark schemes • A complete syllabus guide • An accessible guide to all the required practicals • GCSE specific periodic table • Equation and guide sheets • A selection of lessons and worksheets • A revision guide for best methods and practices. In order to find these resources, simply access the school website and follow these menus…

Curriculum > Science and Computing > GCSE Science > Science Resources Many of these resources can be found online, however finding and selecting the correct ones can be daunting and often present a significant barrier to beginning revision. Exam season is an extremely stressful time for students, parents and teachers. Having easy access to and being taught how to use these materials is not only effective but can make students really appreciate the rapid progress that can be made in these precious few weeks, improving confidence and grades. For our students, remember, you don’t need luck, you already have everything you need, you’re ready, go be amazing! M. Harman, Science Department Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt John John Fisher Fisher Newsletter Newsletter MayMay 20182018

@st_johnfisher@st_johnﬁsher www.stjohnfisher.school

Parents Support Group 2018 For parents of children with ADHD & linked issues Monday 7 – 9pm. Cost £1

Monday Evening

23rd April : Karen Foot. Danecourt - Reward & Praise Charts. 14th May : TBA 11th June : Trevor Dyer. Aztec Learning Disabled Services. Bob Mahay Kent Police. 3rd July : Sofie Wheeldon, Jade Griffiths - Child Health Services. ‘Self Esteem’ 10th Sept : Julie Taylor. EP SUNDAY16th Sept : CELEBRATION of ADHD

Share a coffee with people who listen St Augustine's Church Room, Rock Av. Gil. ME7 5PW Tel: Lesley Lucock: 01634 851312 email:[email protected] Lisa Scarrott email: [email protected] www.staspsg.wixsite.com/adhd

ADHD Afternoon Club 2018 For parents of children with ADHD & linked issues Monday 12:30 - 2:30pm. Cost £1

Monday: Afternoon 23rd April : Jo Blamires KAT Dealing with Change 14th May : Keith Clear. Co-Chair Medway Parents &Carers Forum 11th June : TBA 3rd July : Sofie Wheeldon & Jade Griffiths Child Health team. ‘Anxiety’ 10th Sept : Charlton Athletics 16th Sept : CELEBRATION of ADHD Light Lunch will be available for additional donation

Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt John John Fisher Fisher Newsletter Newsletter MayMay 20182018

@st_johnﬁsher@st_johnfisher www.stjohnfisher.school

Red Cross Pamper And Gift Evening

On Thursday 26th April, the Red Cross Emergency Beacon Club hosted a Pamper and Craft evening to fundraise.

There was a range of stalls from cake and tea to arts and crafts pieces which people could buy. There was also a raffle with a variety of prizes. There were pampering treatments available including manicures, pedicures and massages.

It was a successful evening enjoyed by many. The Emergency Beacons raised £146.83 which will be added to the other amounts which have been successfully raised over the year, eventually being donated to the Red Cross to help those in need all over the world. Alisha, Paris, Mrs Field

Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : St StJohn John Fisher Fisher Newsletter Newsletter MayMay 2018 2018

@st_johnfisher@st_johnﬁsher www.stjohnfisher.school

Mission Statement: ‘St John Fisher School seeks to help and encourage pupils to develop individually, collectively and freely a way of life modelled on Christ, in accordance with the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church’ St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, Ordnance Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 6SG Ph: 01634 543123 e-mail: [email protected] QA: : StSt John John Fisher Fisher Newsletter Newsletter MayMay 2018 2018

@st_johnﬁsher@st_johnfisher www.stjohnfisher.school

Term Dates for Academic Year 2017 – 2018

START TO FINISH

TERM 1 Tuesday 5th September 2017 to Friday 20th October 2017

Autumn Break Monday 23rd October 2017 to Friday 27th October 2017

TERM 2 Monday 30th October 2017 to Thursday 21st December 2017

Christmas Break Monday 25th December 2017 to Friday 5th January 2018

TERM 3 Monday 8th January 2018 to Friday 9th February 2018

February Break Monday 12th February 2018 to Friday 16th February 2018

TERM 4 Monday 19th February 2018 to Thursday 29th March 2018

Good Friday – Bank Holiday 30th March 2018

Easter Monday – Bank Holiday 2nd April 2018

Easter Break Tuesday 3rd April 2018 to Friday 13th April 2018

TERM 5 Tuesday 17th April 2018 to Friday 25th May 2018

May Day - Bank Holiday Monday 7th May 2018

May Break Monday 28th May 2018 to Friday 1st June 2018

TERM 6 Monday 4th June 2018 to Friday 20th July 2018

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS/SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Monday 4th September 2017 TERM 1 Open Day - Saturday 14th October 2017 School closed - Friday 20th October 2017 in lieu of Open Day

TERM 2 Friday 22nd December 2017

TERM 5 Monday 16th April 2018

Monday 23rd July 2018 TERM 6 Tuesday 24th July 2018

Please note that in accordance with the local and national guidelines, St John Fisher do not authorise holidays during term time.

Targeting support: Details for June 2018 Effective and One of the aims of this pilot is to All Year 6 children are invited to attend support children who potentially a session held at the Brook Theatre. Enlightening find the transition process difficult. Primary schools are to send their Year 6 Transition children who will be attending The Victory Academy or St John Fisher and School leaders will be key in Pilot Project choose one of the following sessions: identifying individual children who 2017-19 may require additional nurture through the transition phase. Monday 18th June 2018

9:30am – 11:30am Victory children Working in partnership to improve the Keen observation from hands-on transition for all children in Year 6 as 1:00pm – 3:00pm SJF children activities will also highlight pupils they move to The Victory Academy and who will benefit from additional Tuesday 19th June 2018 St John Fisher Catholic Secondary support in their cohort. School 9:30am – 11:30am SJF children Indicators may include children 1:00pm – 3:00pm Victory children with: Monday 25th June 2018  Poor attendance  Previous exclusion 9:30am – 11:30am Victory children  Disadvantaged pupils 1:00pm – 3:00pm SJF children  No other pupils from their primary school The purpose of these sessions is to  Other identified provide opportunities for children to vulnerabilities socialize with other children in their new Year 7 cohort.

E-mail your school reservation to:

[email protected]

by Friday 8th June 2018

Additional support:

Introduction The Effective and Children will be offered the opportunity to The purpose of this 2 year pilot is to Enlightened Transition work towards an Arts Award, – with ensure that children experience the programme is designed inspiration from student ‘Arts most successful transition in this to provide experiences Ambassadors’ from the Victory Academy. important part of their education. and support for all children in Year 6, and By bringing together schools, arts and specific support for Additional support will be available during heritage organisations in Medway to targeted children the Summer holiday for some children in deliver a range of targeted activities, most need of support. children will be supported during their transition from primary to secondary school; equipping them with the Schools in the pilot necessary skills and confidence. This is an innovative and funded The Victory Academy and St John opportunity, fusing experienced Fisher Catholic Secondary School are Please Note: practitioners from diverse the two ‘pilot’ schools. All feeder organisations that specialize in primary schools are eligible to be The Medway agreed Transition Day is the understanding young people. part of this initiative. first Thursday in the first week of July each year: All school leaders are invited to share Aims pupil intelligence to facilitate  Thursday 5th July 2018 effective planning for transition and  Thursday 4th July 2019  all children have the very best induction into year 7. start to their secondary The Victory Academy and St John Fisher education Programme offer are also holding additional transition days  establish a model for positive, at the end of August and will contact productive cross-sector  June 2018 – all Year 6 children families directly to advise them of these. partnerships to attend a cultural and ‘team Please ask questions to:  provide a strong, evidence building’ session – see back of leaflet for details base for the value of local Simeon Corfield  16th July 2018 – we will liaise cultural learning to achieve with primary schools to identify better outcomes for children Project coordinator - 07894 527545 children who are likely to require and young people. [email protected] more targeted support.

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